Sensory processing patterns may predict health-related quality of life. This study examined this relationship in persons with multiple sclerosis considering trait anxiety as a potential mediator. Participants ( n = 94) completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and other self-report measures at one time point. Sensory processing patterns were significantly associated with trait anxiety and health-related quality of life. Direct and indirect effects of sensory processing patterns were identified on physical health-related quality of life, and indirect effects were identified on mental health-related quality of life. Facilitating adaptive behavioral responses to sensory information may promote health-related quality of life in this population.

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Objective: Increased age is associated with improved subjective well-being in the general population. However, there are conflicting findings regarding this association in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). In the present study, we examined differences in depression and quality of life (QOL) among 3 age groups of individuals with MS. Method: Participants consisted of 57 individuals with MS who were divided into 3 age groups: 35-44, 45-54, and 55-65 years. Outcome measures included the Mood and Evaluative scale t scores on the Chicago Multiscale Depression Inventory (CMDI) and the Physical and Mental scale scores on the Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life Instrument (MSQOL-54). Results: After controlling for disease duration, individuals in the oldest group reported significantly less severe depressive symptoms and better physical QOL than the youngest group. Conclusions: Results are consistent with theoretical predictions and observations of improved subjective well-being with age in the general population. Younger individuals with MS may be at higher risk for depression and poor QOL. Additional research is needed to model the findings in larger samples and clarify the theoretical mechanisms of the observed associations. Impact and ImplicationsAlthough previous studies have identified associations between depression and quality of life (QOL) in individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), the influence of age on these factors is largely unexplored. In the present study, we examined variations of subjective well-being with age in individuals with MS in light of theoretical predictions from the general population. The present findings that older participants with MS report less severe depressive symptoms and higher QOL compared with younger participants are consistent with theoretical predictions of improved subjective well-being with age. Preliminary findings support additional research related to subjective well-being in adults with MS based on socioemotional theories of aging. Age-specific assessments and interventions to promote well-being may be warranted in this population.

Background Applications of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) for individual patient management are expanding with the support of digital tools. Providing PROM-based information to patients can potentially improve care experiences and outcomes through informing and activating patients. This study explored patients’ perspectives on the benefits of receiving feedback on PROMs in the context of a web-based personalized decision report to guide care for their hip or knee osteoarthritis. Methods This qualitative descriptive interview study was nested in a pragmatic clinical trial of a personalized report, which includes descriptive PROM scores and predicted postoperative PROM scores. Patients completed a semi-structured interview within 6 weeks of an office visit with an orthopaedic surgeon. Only patients who reported receiving the report and reviewing it with the surgeon and/or a health educator were included. Data were iteratively analyzed using a combination of deductive and inductive coding strategies. Results Twenty-five patients aged 49–82 years (60% female, 72% surgical treatment decision) participated and described three primary benefits of the PROM feedback within the report: 1. Gaining Information About My Health Status, including data teaching new information, confirming what was known, or providing a frame of reference; 2. Fostering Communication Between Patient and Surgeon, encompassing use of the data to set expectations, ask and answer questions, and facilitate shared understanding; and 3. Increasing My Confidence and Trust, relating to the treatment outcomes, treatment decision, and surgeon. Conclusions Patients identified actual and hypothetical benefits of receiving feedback on PROM scores in the context of a web-based decision report, including advantages for those who had already made a treatment decision before seeing the surgeon. Findings provide insight into patients’ perspectives on how digital PROM data can promote patient-centered care. Results should be considered in the context of the homogeneous sample and complex trial. While participants perceived value in this personalized report, questions remain regarding best practices in patient-facing data presentation and engagement. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03102580. Registered on 5 April 2017.

Introduction: Everyday technology has the potential to increase quality of life for individuals with disabilities. In a society that relies on technology for participation, exploring everyday technology use is a fundamental part of understanding lived experiences of occupation. The meaning and roles individuals with disabilities ascribe to technology may be influenced by sociocultural considerations, such as gender. This interpretive phenomenological study aimed to present an occupational perspective of everyday technology use for men with multiple sclerosis. Method: Three middle-aged men (50-57 years old) with multiple sclerosis participated in an individual semi-structured interview. Data were analysed using a hermeneutic approach of close reading. After the initial analysis, superordinate themes were examined relative to an occupational framework. Findings: The identified themes were 'searching online as means and end' (doing); 'connecting to others and society' (belonging); and 'seeing present and future self' (being and becoming). Conclusion: The meaning of occupational experiences of everyday technology for men with multiple sclerosis are influenced by master narratives of masculinity. Since everyday technology is intertwined with multiple dimensions of occupation, facilitating its use may promote health and quality of life.

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Objective: The use of Internet-based technology (IBT) is an important component of everyday living. However, persons with multiple sclerosis (MS) may face barriers to use. This study aimed to compare IBT perceived use and skills and actual performance in persons with MS and healthy controls (HCs). In addition, it aimed to examine IBT perceptions as a unique predictor of IBT performance beyond demographic, cognitive, motor, and affective factors in persons with MS. Method: Ninety-six persons with MS and 65 HCs aged 18 to 65 completed self-report and performance-based IBT measures along with assessments of cognition, motor function, and affect at a single time point. Results: The MS group reported perceptions of less IBT use and poorer skills than HCs and demonstrated worse IBT performance as per accuracy and speed on the Actual Reality. In persons with MS, IBT perceptions and performance were significantly associated. Cognition and dexterity were significantly associated with IBT performance, and anxiety was associated with IBT perceptions. Disease duration, processing speed, and IBT perceptions were unique predictors of IBT performance in the MS group within a multivariate model. Conclusion: Persons with MS present with poorer IBT performance compared with HCs, which can limit participation. Processing speed and patient perceptions of IBT use and skills should be considered in technology design and training to improve the capabilities of persons with MS to use IBT for everyday living.

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